Four Reasons for a Wet Crawl Space

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Check your crawlspace regularly for flooding

If You Do Find Water In Your Crawl Space, Here Are Four Possible Reasons Why

You may not pay much attention to the crawl space in your home in Miami, FL, but it's important to check it regularly for flooding. This is because a wet crawl space can cause water damage in other areas of your home, as well as facilitate mold growth that will quickly spread throughout your house. If this happens, call a remediation company to repair your home from water damage and to clean out the mold.

1. Clogged Downspouts and Gutters

If your downspouts and gutters have debris in them, they won't drain properly, which may cause water to overflow out of them and flood into your crawl space. Avoid this by cleaning them regularly.

2. Poor Drainage Around Your Home

When the grading around your home is worn down, water will run toward your home and foundation instead of flowing away from it, resulting in a wet crawl space. If you notice this happening, fill in flat spots with dirt or call an expert to come to fix it for you.

3. Overwatered Flower Beds

If your water beds aren't soaking up the water you're giving them, the excess may overflow into your crawl space. Check for holes around them where water has worn the ground away and fill them in. You may need to reduce the amount of water you're giving your plants or set up a better barrier between your beds and your home.

4. Leaky Pipes

If you have a leaky water pipe in your home, it will likely drip down into your crawl space. Sometimes leaks like these are caused by the water inside them expanding when it freezes, so make sure you insulate your pipes during the winter and leave your faucets dripping when temperatures drop.

While a wet crawl space may seem harmless, it can quickly cause water and mold damage to the rest of your home. If this happens, check for any of these issues so that you can prevent it from happening again.

4 Times Homeowners Insurance Covers a Flooded Basement

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

These are just some of the types of water damage that your insurance will cover.

A Flooded Basement Is Covered By Homeowners Insurance 4 Times

There are many reasons a basement flood could occur in your home in Miami, FL. If you experience any of the following, your insurance coverage should take care of the damage.

1. Broken Appliances

If your washing machine, HVAC unit, or refrigerator causes a sudden basement flood, your insurance will typically cover the damage. Any time your appliance malfunctions, you'll probably find yourself getting reimbursed. Just keep in mind that your insurance will only cover the damage, such as the cost to hire a water remediation company.

You are responsible for replacing the faulty appliance. However, sometimes the damage was due to poor maintenance on your part. If your insurance adjuster finds evidence that you haven't maintained your appliances properly, your claim can be denied.

2. Leaking Water Heaters

Just like a malfunctioning appliance, your insurance will generally cover water heater incidents. Again, keep in mind that the insurance company will inspect whether the source was sudden or caused by neglect. If your adjuster finds evidence of poor maintenance, they can deny your claim.

3. Freezing Pipes

If the temperature drops really low overnight, any pipes that burst due to freezing will be covered. This includes pipes leading to your HVAC unit, sprinklers, and appliances. The only restriction is that you must be living in your home at the time of the burst. Otherwise, you have to prove that you had the heat turned on in the building.

4. Overflowing Tubs, Pools, and Sinks

You may be surprised to find that your insurance will cover a basement flood caused by an overflowing pool, tub, sink, or other fixture. These incidents fit under your policy's sudden and accidental clause, so the damage you caused is covered. In other words, when your toddlers think it is a good idea to stuff the basement toilet with their toys and flush, all is well on the insurance front.

These are just some of the types of water damage that your insurance will cover. There are plenty of other times when your insurance covers the damage in your flooded basement.

2 Methods Professionals Use To Handle Your Wet Building Materials

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you’ve sustained water damage to your kitchen cabinets, your living room floor or elsewhere, SERVPRO is here to help you, call us!

Professionals Use Two Methods To Handle Wet Building Materials

Water damage in your Doral, FL, home can lead to extensive issues with the building materials in your living space. Anything from swelling wood to deteriorating insulation can occur as a result of a supply line leak or a pipe burst within your walls or under the floorboards. Therefore, it’s important to not only seek professional help for water pipe repair but to ensure that your property’s structural work is safe and intact. Here’s how the professionals can handle your building materials if they’ve been compromised by water damage.

1. They replace the swollen wood from any affected areas.

Whether you’ve sustained water damage to your kitchen cabinets, your living room floor or elsewhere, trained technicians are likely to replace any wood that has swelled to prevent any structural issues in the future. If the leak was bad enough and the spread of damage carried on for some time, tearing apart your carpets or floorboards to reach and replace the subfloor could be a necessity. Thankfully, for situations that aren’t dire, any drywall or real wood materials can often simply be dried and saved, preventing you from receiving a larger bill down the road.

2. They remove any wet insulation in the walls.

While swelling wood is a problem in itself, having untreated wet insulation in the home can become an even bigger problem. Therefore, water damage professionals will often remove damp areas of insulation to determine any stud damage that may be hiding behind the wet material or to simply replace the insulation altogether to prevent disintegration or mold growth.

When water damage has occurred to your Doral, FL, home’s building materials and you need water pipe repair, it’s important to call upon the help of trained technicians. With their help, your residence can be cleared of any swelling wood or other hazardous materials or waste, and you can gain peace of mind knowing your home is safe again for you and your family.

5 Ways Water Damage Can Hurt You and Your Home

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Oftentimes, water damage is caused by a broken water pipe that gushes freely and requires an immediate repair.

Water Damage Can Harm You And Your Home In 5 Ways

When you hear about a neighbor in Doral, FL, that had a pipe burst or washing machine overflow, you may shake your head and imagine cleaning up the water with dozens of towels and a wet/dry vacuum. What you probably did not think about is all the other problems that a simple water line break can cause. Here are five ways water damage can hurt you and your home:

1. Voracious Molds

One of the most problematic issues that flooding water can bring about is mold. Since mold spores are everywhere in the air, it is easy to see that mold can quickly grow once water is introduced to a floor or wall. Mold can be a voracious eater of almost everything it lands on, and it can quickly weaken your home’s structural integrity if left unchecked.

2. Damaged Floors

Water may spread around on flooring from a pipe burst, but it doesn’t stay on top. Instead, it can seep into any cracks and crevices of your home’s wood, linoleum, and tile. Once there, the integrity of your floor has probably been compromised. Calling in a water restoration team for an assessment may be your best line of defense.

3. Spongy Walls

Floodwaters from a broken pipe can soak into the walls of your home in minutes. Once inside the walls, the sheetrock, insulation, and wood are prime targets for mold, bugs, and swelling. Water can also weaken the ability of the walls to stand once they become spongy with water, and they often must be replaced with a new product at least a foot above the water line.

4. Broken Electronics

Electronic game systems, televisions, and fans are only a few of the many electronics that can be damaged by flood waters. Although many people often assume the water is clean, that is simply not the case. Once the water hits the ground, it is considered contaminated with household particles. If the particles collect inside the electronic unit, it could become damaged.

A pipe burst can hurt you and your home. It is often best to seek professional help as quickly as possible to remedy the situation.

How To Respond to Contaminated Water

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Oftentimes, water damage is caused by a broken water pipe that gushes freely and requires immediate repair.

What Should You Do If Your Water Is Contaminated?

Is it safe for you to clean up sewage water that overflowed from your toilet? The Environmental Protection Agency, otherwise known as the EPA, defines contaminated water as containing anything other than water molecules. Contaminants may come in several forms.

• Physical, such as dirt
• Chemical, including chlorine
• Biological, examples include bacteria and viruses
• Radiological, or chemical elements with unbalanced protons and neutrons

When it comes to the water in your home, the level of contamination is defined by three categories.

• Category 1: Relatively clean water
• Category 2: Significantly contaminated
• Category 3: Resulting from sewer or outside floods

Categories 2 and 3 are also known as "grey water" and "black water."

Category 1 Water

This category refers to water that is basically clean. It doesn't pose health threats to humans, but you may not want to drink it. This water may come from a broken water supply line or an overflowing bathtub. You can feel comfortable mopping this up with cleaning equipment you have at home.

Category 2 Water

Water in this category has a significant amount of contamination. When humans drink this water or are exposed to it, they may become uncomfortably sick. Contaminated water with this designation may come from a toilet with urine, but no feces, or come as discharge from a washing machine.

Category 3 Water

Black water is the most dangerous. It generally contains high levels of contamination. Many types of bacteria and fungi could leave humans with severe illnesses. The water in this category may come from sewage, ground surface water, backed-up toilets, or flooding from rivers, lakes, or oceans.

The way you respond to contaminated water in your home could affect your well-being and that of your home. If you experience a sewer backup or flooding from external sources, you should always contact a sewage cleanup and restoration professional. These trained technicians have the equipment and education to safely clean away harmful contaminants from Doral, FL, homes.

How To Deal With Sewage Damage

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is a huge problem. Fortunately, SERVPRO is here! we use equipment such as this to help restore your home efficiently

What Should You Do If You Have Sewage Damage?

Residential floods in Virginia Gardens, FL, can create a wide range of problems for homeowners. One common issue is sewage backup. When this happens, you need to undertake proper steps for sewer cleanup. The best way to make sure your home gets restored properly is to work with a residential water cleanup crew. You can also use these tips to help you deal with damage caused by dirty water.

Identify the Source

Before you can start cleaning up, you need to know where the sewage water entered your home and why. Common sources for this type of flooding include the following:

• Clogged pipe
• Flooded toilet
• Broken line

Once you know what caused your unpleasant flooding, you and your professional team will be better prepared to create a repair plan that includes fixing the source of the leakage. Your cleanup crew may be able to inspect your home to help you find the source. Otherwise, you may have to hire a plumber.

Use Disinfecting Techniques

A sewer backup poses unique risks to your home. Because sewage is often full of contaminants, such as fecal matter and urine, you need to make sure any surfaces touched by the flooding are thoroughly cleaned. In some cases, you may have to replace porous building materials to completely remove the sewage from your house.

Turn to Specialized Equipment

Sewer cleanup requires different machines than a normal flood cleanup. This is because your standing water may include sludge from the sewage lines. You should talk with your remediation team about using a trash vac to help speed up the water-removal process. This specialized equipment can suck up water and some sludge. Don't forget anyone working in the area should also use personal protective equipment, including gloves and goggles, to protect themselves from the sewage.

Sewer cleanup often requires a bit more time than other forms of water damage restoration. You need to remove the water and disinfect your home before you can start with the remediation.

Top 3 Things You Should Know About Water Damage

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Get in touch with SERVPRO to learn more about the water damage and its respective cleanup.

Water Damage: The Top 3 Things to Know

Flooding and the subsequent water damage can be a major pain for Miami, FL, homeowners. While you may hope to never have to deal with water damage, the fact is you may want to know a bit about the process surrounding floods. You can work with a residential water damage specialist to learn more about the damage and cleanup, or you can turn to this quick guide.

Why It Happens

Water damage can be caused by a myriad of situations, including the following:

• A pipe burst or other plumbing issues
  
• Water collection in basements, crawlspaces or attics
• Natural disasters
• Problems with a dishwasher, washing machine or other appliances
• Sewer backups

Understanding a bit about why water damage takes place may help you prepare for the problems.

How To Clean Up

The cleanup process after a residential flood may vary based on the cause of the water. If it was a pipe bursting, for example, you may have to remove your belongings from the house to allow them to dry out. Carpets and other flooring may also have to be torn out to better clean up the damage done by the water. If the damage was done by a sewer backup, the cleaning process may require a few more steps. Because your needs may vary so much, it is important for you to work with a team that knows what to do no matter the situation.

What To Know About Restoration

After you have cleaned up the initial mess of the flooding, the work may not be over. Depending on the extent of the water damage, your home may need to be restored. For example, if some of the drywall had to be taken out to avoid mold growth, the restoration will include replacing the drywall. The size of the restoration can vary based on the source of the water. A water line problem, for example, could encompass a larger portion of your home than a leaky shower.

Learning more about water damage can help you better prepare for floods, a burst pipe or other sources of excessive water. It's better to learn about the issues before you have to deal with them.

How Can Sediment Affect Your Water Heater?

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Because you rely on your water heater, you need to make sure to take care of it properly.

What Effect Does Sediment Have On Your Water Heater?

The water heater in your West Miami, FL, home plays a major role in your comfort. This appliance provides warm water you can use to shower, wash clothes and do the dishes. Without a working heater, you may have a harder time doing day-to-day activities. Use this guide to help you understand why sediment may build up in your machine, how it can affect you and what you can do to combat the buildup.

Understanding the Buildup

Over time, minerals and sand may build up within the appliance. As the water heats up, the particles separate from the water. Sediment buildup usually depends on where you live. For example, if your home is in town, you may have less buildup because your water runs through city filters. If you have your own well and need to use a softener, you may have more minerals naturally occurring in your water.

Understanding the Effects

Sediment buildup becomes a problem for your water heater when it appears in great quantities. This buildup may impact your heater in a variety of ways.

" Reduces amount of hot water available
" Clogs drain valve
" Reduces efficiency of appliance
" Creates strange noises

If you know you live in an area with high mineral content in the water, you may want to work with a cleaning service to help you take care of the appliance.

Understanding the Solution

While you cannot stop sediment from gathering in your heater, you can reduce the troubles it causes. Doing a regular water heater flush can help clean out the system. A flush simply drains the water and accompanying sediments from the heater so you can start over. In some more serious cases, you may need to have some repairs done before refilling the tank.

Because you rely on your water heater, you need to make sure to take care of it properly. Sand, minerals and other particles can build up in the tank and cause problems if not taken care of properly.

What To Do After a Flood in Your Home

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage insurance claims

What Do You Need To Clean Up After a Flood

Your Doral, FL, home has been affected by some type of water problem. Maybe a leaky faucet went unchecked for too long and caused water to pool in your walls. Maybe torrential rain left two feet of standing water in your basement. No matter what caused the water issues, you need to know how to address the problem. Most homeowners want to make an insurance claim to help alleviate the financial burden. Follow these steps if you're ever in this situation:

1. Call Your Provider: One of the first things you want to do after a pipe burst is call your insurance provider. This will allow you to start the claims process as soon as possible. The agent may also be able to go over the details of your coverage to help you better understand what your policy will do for you.

2. Document the Damage: Chances are you're going to have to start the repair before your claim is finished. You can easily document the amount of damage that was done to your home by the flood by taking pictures and keeping receipts of any work you have done. You may also need to fill out lots of paperwork. Remember to make copies of everything for yourself before you send in the documentation.

3. Start the Repairs: Part of your insurance claim is going to be getting your home restored. You may want to work with a water damage restoration professional trusted by your insurance company. Try to work with a team that can help you through the claims process to make the entire situation easier.

When your home is damaged by water, you want to start an insurance claim as quickly as possible. Even though some companies may take a while to get a claim filed, you should start the repairs as quickly as possible to ensure the damage done to your home does not get worse.

3 Pertinent Facts About Water Damage Every Homeowner Should Know

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a West Miami, FL residence.

Water Damage Facts

Whether it is the result of a home malfunction like a pipe burst or leaky water line or a natural disaster like flooding, anything involving a sudden vast influx of fluid into your lodgings has the potential to cause a great deal of trouble. Consulting a professional restoration company in West Miami, FL, is generally a good idea, depending on the extent of the harm. As you ponder whether or not you wish to, there are some important facts that you should know about water damage.

1. Insurance Doesn't Always Cover It
Homeowners insurance may not pay for any services or repairs needed if the issue is due to your negligence or normal wear and tear. Usually, it will take care of a pipe burst, other accidental occurrence or problem you could not reasonably have anticipated and kept from happening. This includes:

• Other plumbing issues
  
• Leaking roofs
  
• Toilet overflows
  
• Vandalism
  
  

In some instances, your policy may cover the consequences of the water, but not the reason it is saturating your home. For example, your provider probably won't shell out to fix the holes in your roof. It may, however, do so for the cleanup of the liquid that has soaked into your floors. Flooding normally falls under a separate kind of indemnity.

2. Mold Growth Is a Possibility
It is vital to remove as much moisture as possible from impacted areas as soon as you can. It takes approximately 24 to 48 hours for mold colonies to begin growing on damp spots. Taking fast action to dry saturated items and rooms can help ward this off.

3. There Exist Preventative Measures
While there is no precaution that can guarantee a water-related incident will not happen, there are some steps you can take to minimize the chances of one transpiring. Cleaning out gutters and downspouts regularly can stave off clogs leading to overflow. Maintaining your pipes and any appliances connected to your water supply can head off a lot of potential complications as well.
A pipe burst or other water problem can be difficult to handle. In many cases, contacting a professional may be the best move.

What To Do When a Pipe Bursts

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

More water damages are caused by broken pipes.

Bursting pipes aren't always located out in the open; sometimes, they are situated behind the walls where they are out of sight and hard to recognize. Within minutes, your commercial property could experience a lot of damage because of a broken or leaking pipe behind the walls. Sadly, broken pipes are some of the most common causes of water damage in Doral, FL, and in many of these cases, a burst or leaking pipe could go unnoticed until serious damage has occurred.

Take Quick Action

As soon as you notice that your property has suffered water damage in Doral, FL, you should take some quick steps to prevent further damage:

• Turn off the water at the water main.
  
• Open one or more faucets to decrease the water pressure in the pipes.
  
• Remove water as quickly and thoroughly as you can.
  
• Contact professionals to fix the broken pipe and provide further cleanup and repair services.
  
  

Your quick actions could mean the difference between containing the damage and experiencing extensive, widespread trouble.

Recognize the Potential for Trouble
There are many pipes throughout your property that could cause a lot of damage. Bursting pipes often happen when plumbing and other systems are installed along the exterior of the home without enough insulation to protect them from freezing. Aging pipes can develop leaks or cracks if they are exposed to pests or unusual amounts of water pressure. If the original installation of the pipes wasn't handled correctly, slow leaks could cause damage for a long time before you notice them.

Get Help Quickly
Once any damage has happened, it's important to contact water damage cleanup and repair professionals to correct the situation. In addition to putting your business back into a safe working condition, the technicians may also help you recognize other areas of weakness and concern. It's definitely better to avoid damage altogether when it's possible to take preventative action.
You may not always recognize water damage when it first occurs, but when you do notice the damage, take quick action. It doesn't take long for bursting pipes and running water to cause a lot of harm.

What Should You Do if Your Basement Floods?

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

A basement flood is a serious event

What Should You Do if Your Basement Floods?

A basement flood is a serious event for homeowners in Virginia Gardens, FL. Depending on the severity, it can cause damage to many parts of a house:

• Walls
• Flooring
• Foundation undermining
• Personal items

Reacting quickly to the flood is essential to save money and facilitate restoration. Here’s how to deal with this disaster.

What Should You Do First?
Is the basement flood a result of widespread flooding, or is it localized to your immediate area? A major flood disaster means water is likely to keep coming in until the areal flood dissipates.
If your home is flooded with water surrounding your home, you must consider it contaminated. It may have a fecal matter or other substances in it. Don’t try to remove this blackwater yourself! Call a local professional water damage restoration company to react as quickly as possible.
If the water is from a broken supply pipe, it can be considered clean. You need to immediately turn off the water in this case. Locate the shut-off valve nearest to the leak. If you don’t know where that is, shut off water to your entire house right away. That gives you time to either locate a closer shut-off point or call a professional.

What About Insurance Coverage?
What is covered is usually dependent on the cause of the damage. Virtually no homeowner’s insurance policies cover a flood. You need a special policy offered by the nonprofit National Flood Insurance Program to receive any help from insurance.
However, a broken pipe or sewer line usually is covered, as long as you react within a reasonable time. If you’re away on vacation and come home to a broken pipe, that should still normally be covered, as you had no way to know about the problem. That being said, if you ignore an ongoing leak, your insurance company can deny your coverage.
Act quickly in the case of water in your home. If the basement flood is found right away and the accumulated water immediately removed, the damage can be negligible.

Can My Carpet Be Saved?

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water damaged carpet in Doral, FL

Water Damaged Carpeting?

Water is the enemy of your prized carpet — period. It can quickly cause mildew and mold, often within just a few days. It can also be dangerous in today's high-tech homes where wiring or HVAC systems are installed under raised floors. When it comes to water restoration, the faster you dry out the damaged floor covering, the better.
The critical question is the water source. Is it "clean" water from a pipe break or bathtub? Or is it water from a backed-up toilet or sewer system? If sewage has contaminated your carpeting, immediately contact water cleanup experts who have the training, equipment, and techniques to safely restore it if possible. Otherwise, here are a few tips to reclaim water-damaged carpeting. Most equipment you need can easily be rented in Doral, FL. Just remember, time is of the essence.

1. Dry It Out ASAP
To lessen the chance of mold, use fans, dehumidifiers, and wet/dry vacuums to make sure the rug is thoroughly dried. Take all furniture or other items off the floor covering. Dye from the furniture can soak into the carpeting, or water from the carpet can damage your furniture. Remove and dispose of wet padding.

2. Clean the Carpeting
To ensure sanitization after a pipe break or overflow incident, shampoo or steam clean the rug, either by doing it yourself or calling in a cleaning service that specializes in floor coverings.

3. Stay Off Until Dry
Make sure no one, including animals, walks on the carpeting while you're drying and cleaning it. It could cause the carpet's adhesive backing to separate from the fibers.

4. Still Not Confident?
To verify that your carpeting is properly cleaned, dried, and mold-free, set up an inspection visit by a professional water damage restoration service.
A pipe break or other water emergency need not be a rug-ruining event. By taking quick action, your prized carpet can be saved.

Avoid Water Damage During Construction

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid water damage during construction

Building an addition or an entirely new building for your Doral, FL, business is an exciting time. It also means ensuring that water damage doesn’t happen during the construction process. While most trusted builders mitigate against water issues, it is important to communicate and know they have done so prior to, during, and after construction to avoid having to instantly complete a water pipe repair, correct improper drainage or require the need of a water restoration specialist.

How Damage Happens

Whether it’s Mother Nature, the sewer line or plumbing system, the potential for water loss exists before and after a building is constructed. During the discussion with the builder regarding mitigation, ensure that the following common causes for damage are ready to be addressed.

Material Storage – Some materials aren’t affected by rain, such as concrete, but others could result in major issues down the road, such as drywall. Ensure that materials not resistant to water will be properly stored and protected until needed.
Openings – Ensure doors and windows will be secured and waterproofed, as well as any roof openings. This should include elevator shafts, stairwells, tower-crane openings and mechanical openings.
Drainage – No matter the type of structure, water needs to drain away from it.
Foundation – This vital and integral structure holds everything up. Any cracks, fissures or improper seals will mean potentially costly issues down the road.
Plumbing – When the system is installed, ensure a certified plumber is doing the work. An undetected broken pipe will quickly lead to extensive problems.

Proper Testing
As each element is constructed, testing should be a top priority. Instead of having to deal with a flooded area after the fact, checking that everything was done right in the first place can relieve many headaches down the road. From verifying proper installation of the roof to checking plumbing fixtures for proper connections, every step needs checked to ensure your building will run like it should when done.
Instead of having to deal with a water pipe repair from the get-go, communicate a waterproofing plan during construction, and ensure every system or structural element is tested.

What Is the Best Way To Deal With Water in a Light Fixture?

5/23/2020 (Permalink)

While no homeowner wants to find water in light fixtures, it happens

Follow These Four Step Process

You may need a water mitigation company in West Miami, FL, to help you repair leaks causing water in light fixtures, but sometimes you can fix the damage yourself. However, keep in mind that water and electricity create a dangerous combination, so when attempting a DIY repair, follow this four-step process.

1. Turn off the power
   
2. Shut off the water
   
3. Expose the ceiling
   
4. Repair damage and restore the property
   
   

Turn Off the Power
If possible, shut off the power only to the affected area. However, if you do not know how many light fixtures are affected, turn off the power to the entire home. Turning off the electricity protects you against electric shock, but it also limits damage to your home's electrical system.

Shut Off the Water
To avoid any unnecessary ceiling damage, turn off the water supply to the area. Sometimes, it is not apparent where the water leak is, so you may need to shut off the water main to your home, limiting further hazards.

Expose the Ceiling
Remove all the water in light fixtures, but before returning them to the ceiling, expose the ceiling structure to locate the water damage and source of the leak. If you cannot find the leak, consider calling in a professional, and explain your situation.

Repair Damage and Restore the Property
With the ceiling open, repair all plumbing issues. Once you fix the pipes, you can check the wiring for damage and repair what is necessary. Finally, you can restore the ceiling and reinstall the light fixtures. However, before closing the ceiling, make sure and test your plumbing and electrical repairs.
While no homeowner wants to find water in light fixtures, it happens. The sight is shocking, but you can repair the damage. However, if you are not confident in your DIY abilities, or the job is too complicated, consider hiring a restoration company for the repairs.

How To Repair a Toilet That Won’t Stop Flushing

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

Toilets in most commercial buildings utilize a flushometer system

Toilets in most commercial buildings utilize a flushometer system. The flushometer toilet uses pressure from the water supply to flush the toilet. When these toilets work the way they were designed, they provide much better performance than toilets with tanks. If they aren’t working properly, however, they can keep flushing continuously or cause a toilet overflow.
In most instances, it is easy to stop a toilet from flushing constantly. There are two types of flushometer toilets, so let’s take a look at the instructions for fixing each type.

How To Fix a Manual Flushometer

The first step is to turn off the water supply to eliminate the risk of a toilet flood and, subsequently, the need for water restoration services. Locate the flat screwdriver slot on either the right or left side of the toilet, and turn off the water flow.
With a wrench, unscrew the lid of the flushometer. Take off the flange cover to reveal the gasket. Remove the gasket, and thoroughly clean off the sediment. Wash out the weeping hole as well.
Reassemble the parts and turn the water back on. If the toilet is still not operating correctly, you will need to replace the gasket.

How To Repair an Automatic Flushometer

Follow the instructions above to turn off the water supply. This will avert a potential toilet overflow.
Hold down the button used for manually flushing the toilet. While holding it down, if you hear two separate clicks timed a couple seconds apart, this indicates that the kit needs to either be cleaned or replaced.
Take the lid off the toilet, and inspect the kit. If it is damaged, have it replaced. If the kit isn’t damaged, clean it thoroughly.
If you’ve never had the solenoid serviced, you should do so.
Reassemble the parts, and turn on the water.

If you follow these simple steps, you can help to prevent a toilet overflow in your building in Virginia Gardens,FL.

Caring for Wet Items After a House Flood

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Paper and water don't mix well

You probably shudder to think about coming home to a flood. Water in home can be disastrous. Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to prevent flooding in every circumstance. The good news is that you can find experienced water removal technicians in your area to clean up the damage. The crews won't only remove water from the premises, but they can salvage many items and materials from your home.

Commonly Affected Areas

Whether a flood starts in your home because of a broken pipe, a backed-up toilet or a leaky roof, you need quick, decisive action to mitigate the mess. Flooring is one of the first places where you'll notice the damage. Other areas and items that water can damage include:

• Drywall
  
• Furniture
  
• Books and other documents
  
• Electronics
  
• Clothes
  
  

Saving Your Carpet
If you and cleanup teams get on the job fast enough, you might be able to salvage your carpet. Crews will start by tearing it out and getting it away from the water source or standing water. Using dry cleaning methods and equipment, the technicians will extract all the water. Next, the crews will use high-powered blowers to dry the carpet. Lastly, there will be a disinfecting process to make sure there is no mold growth.

Documents
Paper and water don't mix well. This doesn't mean the cleanup team in West Miami, FL, can't repair wet books, pictures, maps or documents if there is water in home. You should start by carefully taking the documents away from the water and laying them out to dry. You can also place wet paper between dry towels or cloths. Technicians will use freeze-drying to thoroughly remove all moisture. This will also keep the paper from crinkling.
You can feel good about the work professional cleanup teams can do in your home. Even badly damaged possessions stand a chance when you get the right people involved.

How To Avoid Plumbing Problems in Your Office Building

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Plumbing problems can affect just about anyone

When you're at work, one of the last things you want to worry about is dealing with plumbing problems. From Flooding to costly repairs and other issues, failing systems and malfunctioning pipes can leave quite a mess for you and your co-workers. Some of these problems are sudden and widespread, while others happen gradually. In either case, proactive attention on your part can usually prevent serious consequences.

Do it Right the First Time

When it's time to construct or remodel your office building in Virginia Gardens, FL, make sure you start on the right foot with the plumbing system. Cutting corners with sloppy work will only lead to big concerns down the road such as a broken pipe. Here are some tips to the plumbing installation process:

• Hire a certified, competent professional to do the work.
  
• Make sure the plumber uses high-quality materials.
  
• Make sure you understand the warranty.
  
  

Proper Maintenance

In your daily work, you probably don't sit around and think about potential plumbing problems that could arise. However, it's critical that you commit to the upkeep and maintenance of the plumbing system. At least annually, have a professional inspect all the pipes and other components of the system. Make necessary updates as appropriate.

Fix Issues Right Away

Even the most well-built system will eventually run into problems. As you notice parts failing or components not working efficiently, have a plumber make the required repairs immediately. If you put off fixing a water main or pipes, severe flooding could occur. You're much better off spending some time and money now than waiting until it's too late and a flood has started in the building. Before you have to call a professional sewage cleanup team, do your part and pay attention to your plumbing system.
Plumbing problems can affect just about anyone. Prepare yourself for the inconvenience and headaches of these issues and diligently follow these steps.

3 Ways a Storm Recovery Service Like SERVPRO Can Help You Service Insurance Clients

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

As an insurance agent in Doral, FL you may deal with multiple claims when winter storms strike one area.

After strong weather strikes Doral, FL your insurance clients will likely file claims and require storm restoration. Flooding, wind, snow and hail damage and the destruction of building materials are all possible. Working with SERVPRO can help you assist your customers with streamlining their claims and getting them the help they need in the aftermath of a winter storm.

1. Local Franchises Mean a Faster Response
Because SERVPRO is a franchise, a local provider can be at the scene of a storm-damaged business and assist an insured client with the cleanup process right away. Without the issue of a long wait time, business owners may be able to get back up and running much sooner. Reduced downtime means a reduced loss of revenue, which can be important for small business owners in particular.

2. Corporate Support
When storms strike one area, you will likely be dealing with multiple claims from a variety of customers who need storm response and support after they have experienced flood damage at their businesses. Being able to reach out for corporate support while working with a local SERVPRO franchise can help you resolve issues across multiple claims without having to contact more than one company. This type of assistance may result in faster service for your insured customers.

3. A Variety of Services
A storm restoration vendor that offers a large array of services can allow you to send out services to a wide number of clients, even if they have different needs. For example, if one client is experiencing flooding and another needs restoration as a result of hail damage, you can send the franchise’s technicians to both locations. This can eliminate the need to communicate with multiple vendors and keep your claims simplified.

SERVPRO can assist your clients with water and storm restoration and flood remediation while allowing you to serve their needs quickly and efficiently.

How To Minimize Secondary Damage

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Call in the experts as soon as you become aware of the problem so that they can start the remediation process quickly

Ways You Can Minimize the Damage Caused By Excess Water in Your Home

There are many reasons to respond quickly when your home in Doral,FL, floods. Quick attention from water restoration specialists can help you avoid problems such as black mold, compromised beams and ruined floorboards. Here are some ways you can minimize the damage caused by excess water in your home.

Professional Mitigation

Some homeowners try to clean up a significant flooding issue by themselves to save money. Trying to do the work yourself can be problematic, though. There are several benefits to hiring mitigation specialists:

• Proper training and certification
  
• Remediation experience
  
• Insurance coverage
  
  

Trying to handle a large cleanup job by yourself may actually cost you more money in the long run. Even if you are able to remove excess water, you are likely to miss hidden problems that lead to secondary damage. This makes the remediation process more costly overall. Call in the experts as soon as you become aware of the problem so that they can start the remediation process quickly.

Additional Airflow

Once the excess water has been removed from your home, technicians may employ methods to increase the airflow through the affected areas. This can speed up the drying process and help prevent black mold growth. Mold needs both water and organic material to grow, so the faster your home dries, the less likely you are to have a fungus problem.

Decreased Humidity

Standing water tends to lead to high humidity in your home. You can dry all the surfaces, but if the air itself is more saturated than usual, your home is still at risk for additional damage. Use a dehumidifier to maintain a humidity level between 40-50% in every room of your house. Lowering the humidity helps dry your home and keep it dry.
When your home floods, you need expert help to dry everything out and avoid black mold growth. Timely, thorough remediation is the key to avoiding secondary damage.

5 Steps for Flushing Your Water Heater

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater can cause a lot of water damage in your Virginia Gardens, FL home

5 Steps for Flushing Your Water Heater

A leaking water heater can cause a lot of water damage that can result in costly water cleanup and restoration. To prevent problems with your heater, you need to flush out the sediment that builds up on the inside. While you could hire a plumber to perform the routine flush, you can also do it yourself by following these steps.

1. Gather Supplies

What makes this a fairly simple DIY job is that it only requires things you probably already own. You just need a screwdriver and a garden hose. It's also a good idea to identify a safe place to drain the water.

2. Take Safety Precautions

You want to make sure you perform the water heater flush safely. Turn off its power source, whether it is the breaker or the gas, before you begin. Be sure to wear thick work gloves so you don't get burned.

3. Drain the Heater

Put one end of the garden hose on the drain valve on the water heater and the other end of the hose in the area where you want the water to go. Open the valve and let the water flow. To speed up the draining process, turn on a hot water faucet in the house. Cut off the water supply valve, and then turn it on again once the water flow stops for an extra flush.

4. Refill the Tank

To fill the heater back up, close the valves and turn on the water supply. The hot water faucet you left on may sputter for a while as air in the line escapes. The tank is full when water flows out of the faucet normally.

5. Restore Power

After the tank is full, it is safe to turn the power back on. This allows the water in the tank to heat.
To prevent flooding to your home in Virginia Gardens,FL, you need to flush out your water heater regularly. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

4 Action Steps After a Pipe Break

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

At the first sight of water loss, give us a call!

A large water stain on your ceiling or wall is a telltale sign of bursting pipes. You may also notice a spike in your water bill, indicating that you have a significant leak somewhere. When that happens, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Quick response not only minimizes the amount of damage the broken pipe causes to your home in Doral, Florida but also may prevent secondary damage such as mold growth.

1. Call for Help
Until it is mitigated, water damage can continue to grow. Even worse, it can become a breeding ground for fungus. To keep further damage from happening you need to call water mitigation experts as soon as you realize you need their help.

2. Find the Leak
Before you can solve a problem, you have to locate it. Find the bursting pipes where the water is getting out. Pipes may be visible under sinks, but part of your wall may have to be removed if the pipe is behind it.

3. Turn off Water
Before the pipe is repaired, you still want to cut off the flow of the water. It is best to turn it off at the water main until you have a new pipe in place that can keep it contained. It may be inconvenient to be without water for a while, but the time and money you can save by preventing further damage will likely be worth the trouble.

4. Fix the Pipe
To fix the broken pipe, you will probably need the help of a licensed professional. Call the plumber and arrange for a time for the problem pipe to be repaired or replaced. Don't turn the water back on until the repair is complete.

Once you know bursting pipes are causing damage in your home, don't hesitate to take action. The sooner you start the restoration process, the less damage you are likely to have to fix. 

5 Water Issues Your Business May Encounter

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

If your business does experience water damage a professional can help

When you have a business in Doral, Florida it's important to mitigate water damage and prevent leaking pipes before they leave lasting harm to the property. Here are five issues many companies in this area may expect to encounter.
1. Roof Leak Problems
Inclement weather can lead to leaking problems with the roof. After a storm you may want to check to see if any damage has been done, and to contact a professional to make any necessary repairs.
2. Sewer Line Damage
If your business experiences frequent toilet backup it could be one indication that the sewer line has been damaged. A professional can assess the problem to determine the source and the best course of action.
3. Damage To Water Pipes
another problem many commercial buildings may experience, especially in cold weather, is leaking pipes or a pipe break. Regular inspection of the pipes can help prevent these issues. If you do experience water damage as a result then you may want to contact a water damage restoration service.
4. Foundation Damage
Puddling water can also lead to cracks in the foundation. This can be caused by a pipe leak, or water from the outside pooling against building. A professional assessment is usually needed to determine the best solution for this problem. One potential mitigation step could be installing a sump pump in basement areas.
5. Landscape Drainage
Improperly sloped landscaping can lead to water drainage that puddles around your building's foundation. Fortunately, this potential issue is fairly easy to catch and remedy.
These five issues could present a problem for any business in the Doral, Florida area. These include storm damage to the roof area, sewer line issues, broken or leaking pipes, foundation damage, and damages caused by poor landscaping. Fortunately, knowing where your problem areas are can help you take mitigation steps. 

Water Damage Tips - What to do until Help Arrives

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Never step into a flooded room if the water is high enough to reach electrical outlets, appliances or cords.

You come home to find standing water. What do you do? Here are a few ideas on what to do until help arrives:

1. If you can find the source of water, turn it off to prevent further damage.

2. Safety first – Never step into a flooded room if the water is high enough to reach electrical outlets, appliances or cords. If you are safely able to do so, shut the power off at the breaker box. If you must stand in water to do so, don’t. Contact your electric utility company to shut off the power at the meter.

3. Take photos of everything in place as it was when you first arrived to your home.

4. Act quickly and remove any contents you can safely move that are sitting in water.

5. Contact a restoration company to help dry out the structure.

6. Contact your insurance company to start a claim.

7. If the damage was caused by a sewer line back up, do not touch sewage or grossly contaminated contents. Leave this to the professionals. They have the proper protective gear to handle affected materials.

8. Remove excess water by mopping, blotting or via squeegee.

9. Remove colorful rugs from wet carpet in order to prevent staining.

10. Place plastic or aluminum between furniture legs and wet carpet.

11. Keep out of rooms where the ceilings are sagging.

Being proactive expedites drying and minimizes damage so you can get back to your normal life.

For more information contact SERVPRO of Doral at 305-558-6211

http://www.SERVPROdoral.com